After an unexpected and expensive mid-August election, former Sunnyvale planning commissioner Larry Klein has been sworn in as the city’s newest councilmember. His time on council could be brief, however.

Klein was sworn in formally Sept. 13. He takes over council seat 4, which had been vacant for more than five months due to the resignation of Councilman David Whittum.

“My mom always said it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice, and I hope I’m a nice member of council,” Klein said Sept. 13 just before he was sworn in, in front of a nearly full audience in the council chambers. “I will strive to be a positive member of the team on council, and I hope to make you proud.”

Klein won the seat Aug. 16 with more than 60 percent of the vote, with his opponents John Cordes and Stephen Williams garnering 31 and 8 percent, respectively. The city was forced to hold the costly election after Whittum abruptly resigned citing personal reasons on April 5.

Whittum was to term out in December after serving on council since 2008. Due to the timing of the resignation and the rules of the city charter, Sunnyvale was unable to hold the special election in conjunction with either the June or November elections or appoint a replacement. The charter states that vacancies must be declared within 30 days of a resignation and then a special municipal election called within 180 days of the declaration of vacancy.

Holding the election cost the city approximately $767,600, according to the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.

Although Klein said he is happy to have won the special election, he is already back to campaigning and defending seat 4. He asked that those who voted for him in this round also turn out for him for the Nov. 8 election, which will decide who keeps seat 4 past the end of the year.

Klein thanked his special election opponents for running “clean” and “pleasant” campaigns.

The night prior, Klein had the chance to say goodbye to the planning commission—which he served on for nearly a decade—in front of a much smaller audience. He thanked commissioners and city staff for running meetings smoothly and for their late-night, sometimes lively, discussions.

Commissioner David Simons thanked Klein for his service and sent him off with an “atta boy.” Commissioner Sue Harrison added that she viewed Klein as a mentor and appreciated all he had done for the commission.

“Thank you, and to the other commissioners, I’ll be watching,” warned Klein. “I hope you make good recommendations to city council.”

The field is crowded for the Nov. 8 election. Klein will go up against Cordes and Michael McCarthy for seat 4. Incumbent Pat Meyering will face Planning Commissioner Russell Melton for seat 5. Incumbent Jim Davis will defend seat 6 against former Sunnyvale Rotary Club President Nancy Smith. The candidates for seat 7 are incumbent Tara Martin-Milius and challengers Ron Banks and Michael Goldman.

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